Ecological restoration in Tibet optimises the cognitive structures of stakeholders on social‐ecological systems

Abstract Facing the dual threats of climate and socioeconomic changes, how Tibet can seize opportunity for ecological restoration to enhance environmental quality while improving relationship between humans nature is great significance regional sustainable development. Situated in an ecologically vulnerable area, cognitive structure Tibetan residents regarding resources policies a crucial reference evaluating whether governance sustainable. We aimed detect what impact had on structures stakeholders. distributed questionnaires residents, distinguished experimental groups (EG, n = 325) control (CG, 165) by implementation projects or not, used network approach construct indicators overall connectivity evenness assessing explored influencing factors structures. found that interviewees areas where was implemented more positive perceptions importance ecosystem services, conservation well‐being, attitudes towards restoration, measures. The EG were significantly higher than those CG. It showed increase stakeholder about policy greater emphasis balance protection productive life. enhanced connection local people environment. Elevation annual precipitation geographic dominated connectivity. Based connections social‐ecological systems elements, played role human–nature promoted collective common pool resources. Safeguarding residents' livelihoods enhancing low‐connectivity under different geographical contexts are important future governance. Read free Plain Language Summary this article Journal blog.